Ribbon ID, western or eastern?

[hjelte]

Ok, so now I´m confused. As previously stated, the ribbon I got for about a month ago was labelled as a Florida blue garter in the pet store.
I identified him as a Ribbon on the spot, probably an eastern. But know after googling in absurdum, I´m not so certain.

Here´s a picture of him, showing body and head. Notice the "white" scales on both sides of his eyes, as well as the slightly tan dorsal stripe.

Can anybody please help me with determing what he is? The only thing I´m sure about at this point is that he ain´t a rubrilineatus

Thanks in advance!

[RedSidedSPR]

Western ribbon snake. T.p. proximus. (I think)

Awesome snake! Really purdy blue. Nice photo too, captures the color nicely.

[hjelte]

You know, that´s what I was suspecting! Thank you for your help! Really nice that you seem certain of it as well

And yeah, he´s a looker for sure

edit: Here´s a shot of him in the flowerpot from about a minute ago!

[RedSidedSPR]

Yup. That purdy blue just screams proximus!

[guidofatherof5]

Maybe Thamnophis proximus orarius
Definitely not rubrilineatus.

[RedSidedSPR]

Ah.. yeah, could be orarius (gulf coast).

[RedSidedSPR]

Which do you have Steve?

[guidofatherof5]

Gulf Coast.

[RedSidedSPR]

That's what I thought.. I can't tell. Its a proximus, but I can't tell if it's proximus proximus or proximus orarius.

[guidofatherof5]